The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called for the formation of a judicial commission to investigate allegations of electoral rigging made by former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatta regarding the general elections.
During a press conference in Islamabad, PTI leader Gohar Khan asserted that the statement by the Rawalpindi commissioner supports their long-held position regarding electoral irregularities. Khan emphasized the need for a comprehensive inquiry, insisting that all individuals involved in the electoral process should participate transparently. He also demanded that the findings of the investigation be made public.
Liaquat Ali Chatta had surrendered to the police, claiming that he coerced returning officers under his jurisdiction to alter results for at least 13 candidates for the National Assembly (MNA). However, he provided no evidence to support his allegations or identify the beneficiaries of such actions. Both the Election Commission of Pakistan and Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa refuted his claims of involvement in rigging.
Khan further pressed for the immediate disclosure of election results based on Form 45. Additionally, PTI’s legal representative highlighted discrepancies in seat allocations, asserting that the party was denied its rightful share of seats in various provinces.
Omar Ayub, PTI’s candidate for the prime ministerial position, expressed optimism about the party’s prospects despite facing challenges over the past year. He vowed to prioritize the release of incarcerated party members upon assuming power. Ayub accused the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) of electoral malpractice in Karachi and called for the prompt issuance of Form 47 based on Form 45 data.
He also urged for Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa to recuse himself from the judicial proceedings due to allegations made against him by the former Rawalpindi commissioner. However, Khan clarified that PTI had not called for the chief justice’s resignation, emphasizing the need for a fair and impartial inquiry into the alleged electoral misconduct.
